Kim Hyunju South Korean, b. 1979
Kim Hyun-ju explores the ancient technique of mother-of-pearl inlay to give a living palette to metal vessel forms. The ethereal quality of the mother-of-pearl interacts with the metal surface, producing an array of tones and enhancing the luminosity of the shell. Her pieces constantly interact with the changing light of their surroundings, transforming with the shifting patterns of sunlight and shadow.
With a reverence for the heritage of traditional crafts, Kim is driven to reimagine them for a modern context. Her innovation is evident through her reinterpretation of ‘Kkeuneum-jil’, the historic practice of intricate mother-of-pearl cutting and inlaying.
Innately meticulous and drawn to the exactitude attainable with metalwork, Kim employs a mathematical methodology to meticulously craft her works by hand. With extreme precision, she inlays finely cut strips of mother-of-pearl (some as thin as 0.1mm) onto the metal surface, achieving a delicate mosaic effect. The finishing process is integral to the finesse of Kim's work. In select pieces, the interior exposes the intricate details of the soldering process, resembling soft stitches. Devoting extensive time—often spanning hours or even days—to polishing, she crafts surfaces that are luminous and tactile. Through this meticulous refinement of her materials, she skilfully balances the inherent strength of metal with a sense of delicacy in form. The extraordinary craftsmanship she exhibits in seamlessly merging two seemingly rigid materials is unique, resulting in her work being featured in the collections of numerous collectors and industry specialists.
Public Collection(selected)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, USA
The Ungcheong Museum, South Korea
The Victoria & Albert Museum, UK
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Black Pearl Cup (paired)View more details
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White Pearl BowlView more details
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White Pearl Bowl (paired)View more details
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Golden Pearl CupView more details
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Sea Wave No. 1View more details
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Sea Wave No. 2View more details
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Drawing a Circle - largeView more details
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Drawing a circle - smallView more details
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Sea wave No. 5View more details
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Sea Wave No. 7View more details
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Heritage as Subject
Asian Art in London 1 - 5 Nov 2025Lloyd Choi Gallery makes its debut at Asian Art in London with Heritage as Subject , presented at Sotheby’s Conduit Street Gallery. The exhibition explores one of the central questions...Read more -
Collect
Somerset House, London 28 Feb - 2 Mar 2025Lloyd Choi Gallery at Collect 2025 Lloyd Choi Gallery is proud to present a curated selection of works by seven exceptional Korean artists, each showcasing the rich heritage and innovative...Read more -
Guided by Nature
Collaboration with Cox London 7 - 17 Oct 2024A synergistic exhibition showcasing the finest South Korean craftmanship from Gallery Lloyd Choi, set against the backdrop of Cox London’s nature-inspired, sculptural collection of lighting, furniture, and objects. This partnership...Read more -
Hidden Gem
Cromwell Place, London 15 - 19 May 2024Often, beauty is discovered in the simplicity and serenity of small details. It exists in the nuances of craftsmanship and the precision of execution. ‘Hidden Gem’ presents Korean artists who...Read more -
Collect
Somerset House, London 1 - 3 Mar 2024At Collect 2024, Lloyd Choi Gallery presents ‘Understatement ’, a highly curated presentation of works by nine Korean craft practitioners to mark the 20th anniversary of the international art fair...Read more -
Lost in Tradition
Cromwell Place, London 19 - 24 Oct 2023'Lost in Tradition' features artists working with the traditional mediums of ceramics, metal, mother-of-pearl, textiles, wood, and antique furniture. Many are represented in internationally renowned museum collections, including maker of...Read more -
Untold Beauty
Cromwell Place, London 16 - 24 Sep 2023Untold Beauty draws on a distinctive period in Korean craftsmanship refined during the Joseon dynasty (est 14c). Presenting works by contemporary practitioners, it explores the current return to Joseon’s contemplative...Read more -
Collect
Somerset House, London 1 - 5 Mar 2023For Collect 2023, Lloyd Choi Gallery will focus on the new generation of ceramic artists and introduce two European- based Korean artists, exhibiting in London for the first time. Yusun...Read more -
Korean Blue
Cromwell Place, London 2 - 6 Nov 2022Unlike Yves Klein, the colour blue was a hue that meant home to the pioneering Korean painter Kim Whan-gi who moved to Paris in the 1950s and became the father...Read more -
Silent Mind
Cromwell Place, London 14 - 25 Sep 2022The exhibition title reflects the calm and mindful status of the craft-artists Lloyd Choi Gallery works with, whose practices are hands-on and materials-led. These Korean artists and makers, working with...Read more -
Artefact
Chelsea Harbour, London 10 - 15 May 2022Lloyd Choi Gallery is pleased to return to the ARTEFACT, a curated, boutique art fair for contemporary craft at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour in London (10 – 15 May...Read more -
Collect
Somerset House, London 23 - 27 Feb 2022It is delightful to return to the international art fair, Collect at Somerset House in London. Alongside exciting new works by thirteen established Korean artists, Lloyd Choi Gallery is thrilled...Read more -
Artefact
Chelsea Harbour, London 22 - 29 Jun 2021It is thrilled to announce our participation at ARTEFACT, a new contemporary craft fair launching this summer at Design Centre , Chelsea Harbour. The gallery will present eight Korean established...Read more -
Material Dialogue
Jeju Island, South Korea 27 Feb - 15 Mar 2021Material Dialogue explores the conversations in craft: those between artist and materials, the materials themselves and between tradition and contemporary practice. In the realm of Korean tradition, the mastering of...Read more -
Collect
Online art fair 24 Feb - 2 Mar 2021For Collect 2021 online art fair, the gallery will present eleven Korean master craftsmen and established artists who are working with ceramics, metal, mother of pearl, natural lacquer, silver and...Read more